Category: Faith

Have you started a new fitness routine only to find that you are getting no results? Have you started reading your bible and praying daily and think this is useless? Do you feel like you are just spinning your wheels and getting nowhere? Well, I have news for you. The key is Finding Balance. Balance is the key to life. Too much of anything, even a good thing can be detrimental to your health and your spirit. I have three keys to help you find balance in every area of your life.

Plan for the Inevitable:

This may sound crazy but in reality, if you aren’t planning you are allowing opportunities for stress and confusion to come into your life. You may be thinking, well if I don’t know what’s coming how do I plan for it? The answer to that is in taking care of the things you can, when you can. Don’t procrastinate. Part of the reason we buy insurance policies that we may never need is in the event that something happens we can be ready. No one wants calamity to visit their doorstep but if we keep the right mindset we will be able to face it without fear. Some of those inevitable things that happen along this faith and fitness journey are not feeling like doing the thing you set out to do. Whether its prayer or a workout, if you plan ahead, it reduces the chance that you skip out on the very thing that you need. Keep your gym bag in your car, meal prep healthy options, have a bible app on your phone so you can read and reflect in those down times. Planning ahead will keep you from feeling guilt or stress about what has come.

Be Flexible:

Flexibility is not just for yoga… Much of the stress we feel in life is directly related to our expectations of how a situation should turn out or how a person should act. Eliminate “should” from your thinking. Take a look at how things are and decide to approach the situation or person with flexibility. Look for the win-win. How can you take a situation that may not be optimal and make it work out for your good. An example of this is when pregnant women develop a birth plan. We pack our bags, plan the route to the hospital, and pray for a smooth delivery. However, many times that is not what happens in the moment. Even in fitness, find space to be flexible. What if the workout you planned can’t happen because of an injury or you get to the gym and all of the machines are being used? Being able to make adjustments in the moment will help you to remain calm and collected. The key to being flexible is staying open to the possibilities that something else could happen and having faith that it will still be ok.

Embrace the Ebb and Flow of Life:

Have you ever sat on a shoreline and watched the waves come in and then go back out? Sometimes a wave crashes hard on the shore and sometimes it rolls in with barely a sound. Yet, the sand which is impacted by all of this remains virtually unchanged by all of this. Yes, some goes out with the tide and some is never touched but overall, the sand embraces the conditions and makes the adjustments. As it is with us, life always has its highs and lows. It has its moments that seem perfect and then it has the times of trials and tribulations that suck all of the like out of us. Embracing them both does not mean you are happy all of the time but it does mean that you are content all of the time. Being content with where you are in life can help you move through each season of life with grace and dignity.

When I was 13 years old my mother turned 48 years old. Then two days later, she died from a stroke and brain aneurysm she had suffered a couple weeks prior. This as you might imagine was a turning point in my life. It is the point at which my perspective on life and living was permanently altered. However, this was only the beginning of my coming of age. Thanks to my family, my father, my sister, my brother and others who supported me, I was able to navigate my teen years and young adult life with relative ease despite my loss. Don’t get me wrong, I had the normal ups and downs of growing into adulthood, friendships gained and lost, heartache, discovery and self-realization.

As an adult I have learned many lessons personally and professionally. Some lessons were hard and some were fraught with adventure. Some knocked me to my knees and some lifted me higher. When I got married there were more lessons. When I turned 40, more lessons. Becoming a mother, still more and more lessons. Yet, none of this was my coming of age.

July 22, 2018 I am the same age as my mother was when she left this earth. For many years I pondered how I would feel upon reaching this milestone. I can honestly say that I feel like I have just begun my life! I have accomplished so much yet at this point in my life I feel like there is so much more. There is more opportunity to give to others. More creativity to live the life God has designed for me. More faith to accomplish the desires of my heart. So as I enter into another year, I want to share three lessons that I learned from my mother and have lived for myself.

Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes to the bone. There is so much ugliness in this world. It comes from the heart and it is permeating. People often described my mother a beautiful person. She was definitely radiant. But her beauty came from the inside out. She cared deeply for others. She took care of our elderly neighbors and opened our house to our family and friends. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and she taught school children. I have never met anyone who had a bad word to say about her. This is a testimony to her beauty. If I can be half as beautiful as she was I will have accomplished a lot.

If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all. Ok, so I know that this originally came from Thumper’s mother in the movie Bambi, but it is something my mother would say often. As a teen and young adult I am sure I went through a bit of a mean girl period but this saying has stuck with me and it is something that I tell my daughter often. I have learned that our words have power. What we speak has the power to transform lives. I want my words to always speak life into a situation or a person.

Lastly, Enjoy Life! I learned this from the way that my mom lived her life. She loved, she laughed and she taught me to do the same. Yet, there were many plans and dreams she never realized. There are many special moments that she never witnessed. Life is short and for some it is shorter than we would want or expect. Learn to find joy in everyday. Learn to laugh despite the common ups and downs of life. Learn to smile and be open to the possibilities that life has to offer.

I have spent the last 35 years waiting for this rebirth! I am at a point in my life where I am fully accepting of who I am. I have earned the life I am creating for myself and my family. I am confident in who I have become. I recognize areas for growth and am willing to change the things that I deem as necessary to continue my pattern of growth. This is an important milestone for me because I feel like I have finally come of age.

In 2013 I embarked on a journey to lose the baby weight and get healthy. Through eating right and moving more I was able to lose 50 pounds. However, in reality I gained SO much more! The process of losing weight is challenging. It requires discipline and commitment. It requires looking at yourself and being brutally honest with yourself. It was in all of my honesty that I found the Intersection of Faith and Fitness. Because of this discovery I have embarked on helping others to find the intersection of faith and fitness in their own lives in what I hashtag as the #FitFaithMovement.

You may be thinking, THIS is what I need in my life right now! If it is, I would like you to consider a few things about faith that you can also apply to fitness.

First, Faith is more than feelings. There is a big difference between being a professor of faith and a possessor of faith. It is important to profess your faith but you must take the actions to possess the things that you believe. Talk is cheap because faith is more than something you say.

Talk is cheap because faith is more than just something you say.

James 2:14 AMP says, “What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.]”

Matthew 7:21 AMP says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.

So real faith is an action word. Similarly, fitness is only possessed by those who take action. We could also say that Talk is cheap because fitness is more than something you say you are going to do. The only muscle that is built up by talking is your mouth.

Second, Faith is something you do. And so is fitness.

There is often a gap between behavior and belief. Sometimes what we say we believe we don’t always back up with our lifestyle. Faith will show up in the way you behave. When God comes in your life, he will change you as he stretches your faith. When Christ comes in your life, everything starts taking on new meaning, new purpose, new significance and new value. You have to ask yourself, “How am I different?”

James 2:18 AMP says, But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].”

Something I discovered as I worked to lose weight was that I had to find that something on the inside of me that kept me on track. The thing that made me eat right when I didn’t want to and go to the gym when I would rather be watching tv. That thing was my faith. I had faith that if I continued to do what I was doing that I was going to get the results that I desired. This thought leads us to our third point.

Third, Faith (and Fitness) requires commitment.

Believing is not enough. Some people believe in their head but they don’t have it in their heart. They have head knowledge. I can believe a lot of things but until I accept it in my heart, I will never receive the thing that I believe. As it is with fitness, I can know all of the exercises to do, I can know all of the right things to eat but unless I am committed to doing it I will not see it happen for me.

James says, “let me see it in your life”! Jesus calls us to a relationship that makes faith more than something you believe. James 2:19 says, You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Are you just talking about your faith or are you living it? Are you talking about getting fit or are you living it as lifestyle?

As you start or continue your faith and fitness journey, remember these three things: Faith is more than feelings, Faith is something you do, Faith requires commitment and so does Fitness! I want to challenge you to make a commitment to optimize your faith and fitness for the next thirty days. Join us in our Private Facebook Group to share how your faith and fitness commitment is going.

I always considered myself to be a pretty fit and active person. When I got married I did what most newlyweds do… I cooked and I ate and I packed on a few pounds! I knew that I wanted to shed a few of the pounds I had gained as a happy newlywed. I would go to the gym sporadically and saw sketchy results. Then, I had two children in two years, which changed my wanting to shed a few pounds to needing to lose at least fifty pounds! As a new mom with a toddler and a newborn there was no way I was going to the gym, even though in my mind I saw myself getting up at 5am every morning, going to the gym and getting my pre-baby body back. You know, like all those other moms out there…. Anyway, that vision did not became my reality. I realized that I was going to have get started with what I already had.

When I decided it was time to get in shape and lose the baby weight, I gathered the various equipment I had scattered all over my house and discovered that I had a pretty effective home gym. I found that you can get fit at home with no or minimal equipment that won’t break the bank! The equipment that I have includes, dumbbells, a stability ball, an exercise/yoga mat, a jump rope, and resistance bands. I use each of these in various ways to create a great workout!

I have three pound and five pound dumbbells. I use the three and five pound weights when I do squats to make them a bit more challenging. Place one weight in each hand. As you bend your knees into the squat position, lift your arms in front of you to shoulder height. Do three sets of five to start. If you can do more, increase the number of reps per set.

Although my stability ball has become more of a toy for my kids, there are some excellent core exercises that can be done using it. A simple and easy one that is very effective is crunches. To do this, lay back on the ball with your feet firmly on the floor. Place your hands with your fingertips to your ears, so you do not strain your neck and gently and smoothly lift your head pointing your chin towards the ceiling.

My exercise/yoga mat is of great use, especially since my entire house has hard wood floors! I use it for everything from sit-ups to crunches to planks and more. When choosing a mat, make sure you choose one that has enough cushioning to be comfortable and enough of a grip so you won’t slide around while exercising.

Another simple tool is my jump rope. I have to admit my rope has been under utilized. However, recently I took it along with me to my family reunion. Mostly because I had packed a jump rope for my daughter and I wanted to show her how to use it. I got a great workout on the go! That is the beauty of the rope. It is compact and travels well. With this in your arsenal there is really no excuse not to get a workout in. If you don’t know where to begin, try this jump rope workout by FitnessBlender.com. http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/workout-detail/Jump-Rope-Weight-Loss-Routine-20-Minute-Home-Cardio-Workout/8u/

Another compact and easy to use item are resistance bands. They can be used for a total body workout. I primarily use them for my arms but they can be modified to workout your legs as well. Two of my favorite resistance band exercises are a simple curl and a shoulder press, although I know I could also do this with my weights. You can also combine those two exercises to make your workout more challenging. Resistance bands come in a variety of colors which correspond to different weights. They can be bought individually or as a set. Again they also travel well eliminating excuses.

Since starting to work out a few years ago I have added Kettle bells to my arsenal. I plan to add these final items to my home gym to continue to add variety to my workouts, a Chin-up Bar, and a Bosu Ball. Kettle bells are the most trendy and popular workout equipment these days. Beside being on trend they provide an excellent upper and lower body workout. A chin up bar provides a full workout for your arms, shoulders, back and chest. They are available in sturdy varieties that don’t require being screwed into your doorway and they are compact enough to be stored under your bed. Lastly, the Bosu Ball is another piece of stability equipment. It looks like a stability ball that has been cut in half. It can be used in a variety of ways to build your core muscles.

Often people don’t embark on a journey to fitness using the excuse that they can’t afford a treadmill or a gym membership. The reality is that three out of four gym memberships go unused any way. I have introduced you to eight must have items for your home gym. If you purchase one item each month, you will have your complete home gym just in time for summer! Remember to be fit and have fun!

There is something about the moment we submit our thoughts and hearts to God in prayer. When we approach Him with true repentance and reverence, we can expect to come away from that encounter restored. The Power of Prayer is in the personal connection we have when we choose to have a dialogue with God. In order to understand the power of prayer, you must first understand what prayer is. Dr. Myles Munroe explained it well in his book, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer. He gives these four explanations:

Prayer is man giving God the legal right and permission to interfere in earth’s affairs.

Prayer is man giving heaven earthly license to influence earth.

Prayer is a terrestrial license for celestial interference.

Prayer in man exercising his legal authority on earth to invoke heaven’s influence on the planet.

Keeping these foundational thoughts in mind, let’s get a closer understanding of how powerful prayer can be in your life.

Prayer Creates Peace

God is Our Source: God will provide all of our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) He is the beginning and the end. He is the author of our faith and the source of our conduct. He is the foundation of all that we have and hope to build. It is sometimes a challenge to totally rely on someone else. Being dependent on someone other than ourselves can be a scary place but when you allow God to be your source, you actually open yourself to a freedom that can only be found in Him. Let God be your source of faith, let God be your source of hope, let God be your source of love, let God be your source of strength, let God be your source of everything. When we do this, the doors of understanding and opportunity can be flung wide open in every area of our lives.

Prayer Creates Peace: Philippians 4:6-7 MSG says “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” When we pray, we have an exchange with God. Our worry for His peace. Our sorrow for His joy. Our weakness for His strength. When everything seems to be spinning out of control in our lives that is the time to allow God to put the breaks on the world and rest in His peace.

Praise is Your Protection

Praise Is Your Protection: Part of prayer is praise. Praising and thanking God ahead of the storm creates a buffer around you. Prayer opens the communication with God and Praise invites Him to work on your behalf. Please understand that there is nothing that we can do or say to make God do more or less for us. His Word is full of the promises that He has given to us. Faith is the assurance that God will do what He said He would do. Prayer and praise unlock your faith, opening you up to victory in God!

Although there are many scriptures about prayer, these will help you to unlock the Power of Prayer in your life.

2 Chronicles 7:14if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Luke 18: 1And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Ephesians 6: 17-18 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

I Thessalonians 5: 16-19 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[a] in heaven.”

Matthew 18:18-20Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[a] in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Above all, prayer is communication with God. Those that we love we want to talk to them every chance that we get. Allow God to love on you today and show that love back to Him by talking to Him every chance you get.

April is National Financial Literacy Month! So that made me ask myself the question, “Are YOU Financially Fit?” God desires that we prosper and be in good health even as our soul prospers. The Fit Faith Life is about so much more than just our physical fitness. It is also about the rest of our life lining up with God so that we are spiritually, emotionally and yes, even financially fit! Let’s be real. When our money is not right, it affects so many other areas of our lives. It makes it hard to pray, it makes it hard to give, it make it hard to exercise and ultimately can lead to stress that can affect our physical health. This month I am partnering with my friend Shehara Smallwood of Your Story Financial to share financially literacy tips. We hope that by the end of this month you will be well on your way to living your financial dreams.

Are YOU Financially Fit?

So, what exactly is “financial literacy”? Financial literacyis “the ability to understand how money works in the world, how someone manages to earn or make it, how that person manages it, how he or she invests it and how that person donates it to help others.” More specifically it refers to the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed decisions with all of their financial resources. I would like to add that financial literacy is also how you steward all that God has provided you with including your financial resources. Here are three tips to help you as you look at your financial fitness.

God Wants You to Be a Good Steward: Our goal is to live free. The bible says to owe no man anything but to love them. (Romans 13:8) It also says that we are to be lenders and not borrowers. (Deuteronomy 28) God has given us this freedom. However, it is up to us to make wise decisions that will keep us from being entangled and trapped in debt. It is up to us to manage what God has given us and allow Him to increase it.

Your Story is Not My Story: It is so easy in our social media driven world to get caught up in what someone else is doing. First and foremost, you have to understand that what you see could just be a shadow. It could be that that person is living a debt driven life. Keeping up with the Joneses is not a viable plan for living the life of your dreams. You have to write your own story and live the life that God has intended for you to live.

Be Honest and Make the First Move: Facing our finances can one of the hardest things we ever do. Especially if we are not managing them well. We have to be honest about our choices and our motivations. Finances, similarly to fitness is a heart issue. It deals with who we are at our core. What you spend your money on is an indication of where your heart is. If you are living from paycheck to paycheck there are some things that you have to be honest about in your life. Could it be that you are living above your means, you are underemployed or you are wasteful? It can be a challenge to really face yourself and change. It’s ok, we are here to encourage you and support you as you move ahead towards financially freedom.

This month we will discuss various aspects of financial literacy, including how to save 3-6 months of your expenses, how to plan for retirement, how to plan and pay for college and we will also have several Facebook Live chats to take your questions. Join us as we get “Financially Fit” together!!

Each week on the FitFaithLife Instagram page we share a Wednesday Workout. This week’s workout was The Core Workout. So, I am sharing Four Reasons You Need to Do The Core Workout. Core workouts target the muscles in your abdominals, lower back, and glutes. They provide power, stability and endurance. A strong core is the foundation of functional fitness.

The Core Workout

REASON 1: Core Workouts Build Balance and Stability

Most physical activities require the use of your core muscles. A weak core makes you susceptible to injury, a weak back and back pain. By doing exercises that build your core, you will enhance your balance stability, which is important as we grow older.

REASON 2: Core Workouts Can Help You Get Flat Abs

Your abdominal muscles are only a part of the muscle group that make up your core. However, there are several core exercises that target your abs and along with a healthy, balanced diet, can help you achieve flatter abs.

REASON 3: Core Workouts Can Be Done Anywhere

Most core exercises do not require any equipment and they can be done anywhere. Exercises like planks and Supermans, only require enough space to lay on your stomach or side. The Glute Bridge is another classic core exercise. They can be done inside or outside without having to make many adjustments.

Core exercises really should be the foundation of your exercise regime. The exercises not only tone your abdominals, but they tighten your glutes and legs and strengthen your back. If you are an athlete training for an event or someone who is striving to live a healthier life, adding these simple but effective exercises to your workouts will yield quick results if you are consistent.

Every year on January 1st, thousands of people embark on spiritual and fitness renewals. Some call them resolutions, some call them goals, but regardless of what you call it the New Year is a time when many of us make the decision to change. If that is where you are right now, I say Happy New You! The Word declares that God will do a new thing in Isaiah 43:19. It says,

“Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

So if you are ready to make a change, God is ready to assist you. However, there are some things that you must do to ensure your success. These three things will put you on the road to permanent change that will create the “New You”!

WRITE IT DOWN:

Without a written plan you are planning to fail. There is something about putting your goals in written form that makes them concrete in our minds. The bible says to write the vision and make it plain… In other words, keep it simple. You don’t have to write a dissertation. Just take a few moments to clarify what you want to accomplish and how long you plan for it to take you to reach completion.

GRAB A BUDDY:

Life is so much more fun with a friend. Get a “Power Partner”! Someone you can pray with and exercise with. Someone who you know wants what’s best for you but will keep you accountable to your goals and to God. It’s easy to look at your spouse if your married, and want them to be that person. However, keep in mind sometimes they are not and we need to pray and reach out to the person that God lays on our heart for this role in this season. Once you have your partner, you need to communicate your needs. What do you expect them to do and what are you capable of doing for them. If you are not a morning person, don’t agree to get up at 5am for prayer and a workout, unless this is an area that God is working on in you and you need someone to hold you accountable to doing it. Understand though, that your partner has to know this ahead of time to be fair to both of you. Make sure that you and your Power Partner communicate well and have an open heart.

PRAY & PERFORM

What are you going to accomplish this year? Whatever it is you must start with prayer. Pray for direction. Pray for clarity. Pray for commitment. Faith without works is dead. But your faith will also be dead without prayer. Prayer is our direct line to God. It is the way we receive the power to do the things that God wants us to do. Prayer gives us the confidence to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. Once you pray, it is time to perform. You must step out on the faith that God has given you through His Word. Whatever He has put in your heart to do, you can do it!

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years mean big family meals and holiday office parties. Not to mention the eggnog, cakes and pies which can all put a strain on our waistlines. These Five Ways to Make the Most of the Holidayswill help you enjoy the holidays and all they bring without regrets.

Five Ways to Make the Most of the Holidays

De-Stress and Get Rest:

The holidays can bring stress from fighting traffic, hours of shopping for food and for the perfect gift. Stress can add inches to your waistline. Stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels which can interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Avoid the rush by making a list of all that you need to get before you leave the house or better yet shop from home. Online shopping is a way avoid the hustle and bustle and find some great deals. Sites like Amazon give you the option to shop from the comfort of your home and save time, gas and money. Many grocery stores offer a shop from home option and they will deliver your items right to your door.

During this holiday season take the opportunity to de-stress by drinking a cup of herbal tea, diffusing your favorite essential oil, lighting your favorite candle or simply taking a walk. Also remember, that rest is the key to rejuvenation. Getting enough sleep during the holiday season might be a challenge but your mind and body will thank you if you maintain as regular a sleep schedule as possible.

Drink Your Water:

Water is vital to maintaining your health and wellness. It is also important to maintaining your waistline. While you are out and about this holiday season, carry a bottle of water with you so that you can remain hydrated. Often we mistake thirst for hunger. By staying well hydrated, you will also avoid those moments when the food court calls your name. Drinking water will also help you to keep your mind sharp and your body energized. Many of us indulge in holiday spirits during this time of year. Many alcoholic beverages contain high calories. It is recommended that you drink more water when you are consuming alcohol than normal.

Eat Before You Go Out:

Whether you are going to the mall or to a holiday party, eating a small snack an hour before you leave the house can help you stay on track. Have a small healthy snack like cheese and apples, or a green smoothie. By eating something before you go out, you won’t be so hungry that you are tempted to eat everything in sight. You will be able to be social without piling three of those little plates with food. Also, eat slowly. It takes your brain about twenty minutes to realize it’s full.

Get Moving:

Over the next few weeks, our schedules will try to dictate how much exercise we get. Try to maintain your exercise schedule. However, if getting to the gym seems like an impossibility, finding unconventional ways to keep moving will help you stay on track with your exercise plan. Walking the mall, taking the stairs and parking further away from the door are practical ways to get in some additional movement. Other ways to get moving include, getting outside for a walk, raking leaves or shoveling snow. Ultimately, just don’t let the holidays keep you from maintaining your exercise routine.

Enjoy Time With Family and Friends:

The holidays can be a whirlwind of rushing from place to place but being with those we love is the best part of the season. Take the time to recognize those you love and be thankful for all that you have been blessed with. If you are able to have your loved ones around you, if you are able to share a meal or give a gift, you already have the full measure of what the holiday season is all about. So. if you eat that extra piece of pie or have double servings of stuffing, be kind to yourself. Enjoying the moments of celebration in life will do more for you in the long term.

Working out my body is vital to my physical and mental well being. However, more important than that is my desire to stay spiritually fit. Each day I begin my day by reading a devotion and scripture. I usually find this by using the YouVersion Bible app. They have so many unique devotionals that are available for FREE. Next month we will be using the STAY FIT: 30 Days of Strengthening Your Connection to Jesusdevotion to guide us in our daily study time. This devotional was created by the staff of North Point Ministries with the goal of “prioritizing staying spiritually fit by focusing on the most important relationship in our lives.”

I have found that I pour out so much of my self as a wife, a mom, a daughter, an educator, a friend and a blogger. It is easy to become disconnected and distracted. It is easy to stop growing when you are so focused on everyone else’s growth and development. The need for a greater connection becomes apparent, especially when my patience grows short or my thoughts are not as forgiving as they could be. I have learned that it is very difficult to pour out of an empty cup. If I am not growing, I can’t help anyone else grow either. Spending time in God’s word is the first and best form of “self care”. This 30 day “challenge” is a way of reconnecting to our ultimate source of power – God.

During the month of October we invite you to STAY FIT and devote some time “strengthening your connection to Jesus”. Join us on Facebook and on Instagram each day in October to share your insights and to encourage others as we grow stronger together and build each other up in our faith.